Buffalo, New York is expected to be the hottest major housing market in the U.S., for the second year in a row, according to Zillow.

Providence continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, as the state is in the grip of a housing crisis. In a Zillow ranking released on Tuesday, Providence and its metro area ranked as the third hottest market in the country,

Expectations remain high for Charlotte’s housing market in 2025.

Zillow's analysis considers such factors as home construction, the local job market and the percentage of homeownership.

Hartford, Conn., was also forecasted to be among the top markets by the real estate listing website, but Boston ranked 16th among the 50 metro areas compared.

Charlotte held the highest rank among Southern markets on Zillow's list. Richmond, Virginia, also appeared among the top 10, ranking at No. 9. Raleigh, the only other North or South Carolina metro in the analysis, ranked at No. 21 — down four spots from last year.

With steep competition to find a home in the new year, these cities offer affordable options for buyers in the housing market.

Zillow says relative affordability and job growth will be the key drivers among the most competitive markets for buyers in 2025.

While the national housing supply recently reached a four-year high, buying a home in some U.S. cities may be especially difficult in 2025, a new Zillow report suggests. To make its predictions, Zillow reviewed multiple factors — including how quickly homes have been selling,